Recent Podcasts
Episode 15: Chronicles Road Trip- Buffalo River Edition
In this episode, Ashley and Jeri sit down with Ben Milburn, owner of Buffalo River Outfitters. Milburn is very knowledgeable about the river and area and loves to share stories about his area. Ben talks about his adventures in Costa Rica, college experiences, how he was led into the tourism industry, and even about a...
Episode 14: Rick Chrisman
In this episode, Ashley and Jeri sit down with Rick Chrisman, owner of gourmet restaurant American Artisans in downtown Mena, Arkansas. Being such a staple in Mena, Rick has a lot to say about how his business started, the inclusion of art in his establishment, and the highs and lows of owning a restaurant. Rick,...
Episode 13: Bill Barnes
In this episode, Ashley and Jeri go on location with Bill Barnes, owner of Mountain Harbor Resort in Mt. Ida, Arkansas. Barnes tells his story, from being a small boy moving across the country, to owning and operating one of the most successful marina-resorts in Arkansas.
Episode 12: Ranger Ashley- Hot Springs National Park
In this episode, our favorite ladies sit down with Ranger Ashley of Hot Springs National Park. When it comes to the history of Hot Springs, Ranger Ashley is a wealth of knowledge. They discuss the history of the park, how COVID has affected tourism, the celebration of the 100 year anniversary of Hot Springs National...
Episode 11: Carey Byars
In this episode, the girls (virtually) sit down with film-maker and professor Carey Byars. Byars created a documentary about the Commonwealth college, a radical, left-wing labor college located near Mena, Arkansas during the Great Depression. How was the college founded? Who were the alumni? Was there really a communist revolt within the college? Listen along...
Episode 10: Eudell Head
Who knows what could be in your own back yard? Could there possibly be a monster lurking in the darkness, watching and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike? In this episode, the girls find out when they sit down with Eudell Head, Police Officer and Bigfoot enthusiast. They find out the details on what...
Episode 09: Travis Napper
In this episode, Ashley and Jeri have a (socially distanced) conversation with director of Arkansas Tourism, Travis Napper! The ladies and Travis talk about tourism, his travels in Arkansas, the effects of COVID on businesses and tourism, and more. This episode is brought to you by Don’s EZ Pay, the best place for you to...
Episode 08: James Earl Turner
In this episode, Ashley and Jeri sit down with James Earl Turner. Turner is a local politician, actor, and historian with plenty of stories to tell about his adventures he’s had while watching the world grow old around him. In this episode, they talk about growing up in a ‘Dazed and Confused-esque’ Mena, James’ involvement...
Episode 07: Pasha Watson
The small town of Mena, in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, is considered by many to be an ideal vacation spot and a more than ideal place to live. Find out what makes Mena and the surrounding area such a draw for tourism, as Ashley and Jeri visit with Pasha Watson. Pasha is the...
Episode 06: Derek Campbell
In this episode, Ashley and Producer Trey sit down with Derek Campbell. Derek is the owner of The Ouachitas, formerly known as Ouachita Coffee Roasters. They discuss Derek’s journey, the coffee-making process, the red tape of starting a micro-brewery in a dry county, and his love for his community.
Episode 05: Christy Plunkett
Christy Plunkett sat down with Ashley and Jeri to share her story of being a parent to a special needs child and the blessings that came in turn. Christy is an autism advocate and was appointed by Governor Asa Hutchinson to serve on his Arkansas Legislative Task Force for Autism. She generously opened up about...
Episode 04: Justin Lapenter
Certified personal trainer, chef, permaculture design consultant, and world traveler, Justin Lapenter, shares his story of overcoming a tragic accident and embarking on worldwide nomadic adventures. Justin breaks down the food system in relation to health and wellness, recalls his time studying at the Earthship Biotecture Academy, and gives the OC gals the low-down on...
Everyday people often have remarkable stories that go untold. The Ouachita Chronicles uncovers those interesting tales and talents. Join Ashley and Jeri as they learn the story behind the people who live in or originate from the Ouachita Mountains region and get to know their amazing stories and personalities.
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